Policy 1-9 ANIMALS IN CITY OF LAWTON FACILITIES

PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to protect the health of City employees and citizens who visit City of Lawton facilities.

BACKGROUND: Family pets and stray animals may cause physical injury to employees or visitors to City facilities; they may carry diseases and parasites; or may trigger allergic reactions in some people.

DEFINITIONS: Family pets" include all animals owned by employees or visitors to City facilities that normally reside with their owners and are retained mainly for companionship and amusement.

"Stray animals" include apparently homeless animals of all types, including former pets that have been abandoned and animals that have taken up residence at City facilities.

"Working Animals" are animals trained and used to assist humans in certain activities. This includes dogs that are trained to detect drugs, explosives, and other contraband and are being used by a law enforcement agency for these purposes. It also includes animals trained and used to assist a disabled person in performing daily activities (for example, "seeing eye" dogs for blind individuals). Finally, animals that are used in therapy programs for treatment of humans are included.

1. All family pets and stray animals are prohibited in City of Lawton facilities with the exception that they may be present in any of the Animal Welfare Division facilities.

2. Working animals as defined above accompanied by their owners or handlers are welcome in any City facility and may not be prohibited from entering.

3. Fish and other aquatic animals are allowed if properly contained in aquariums of not more than 20 gallons capacity.

4. Employees who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Chapter 17 of the Lawton City Code.

5. Facility managers will post signs in each facility for which they are responsible indicating pets are not allowed and will ask visitors who violate this policy to remove the offending pets from the premises.

6. Stray animals residing at City facilities will be turned in to the Animal Welfare Division for proper disposition.

RESCISSION: This policy becomes effective March 7, 2004 and will remain in effect until rescinded.